The decision by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement to expand its "compliance" program statewide is good news.

Under the program, underage volunteers are recruited to determine if bars, restaurants and liquor stores are selling alcoholic beverages to minors.

The state conducted a pilot program about a year ago in the Harrisburg area and was encouraged by how the program was carried out and what information was gathered. LCE's Erie office already has been given permission to start the compliance program and plans to do so immediately.

The Erie LCE district comprises Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warrant counties.

Hopefully, a similar effort encompassing Butler County will be forthcoming soon.